Boarding Your Dog
There may be times when you feel you have no choice but to put your dog in a boarding kennel. Although you may worry that he will be unhappy while he’s there, if you take the time to find a well established, clean, tidy and reputable facility the chances are he’ll have a great time – although there’s no doubt that he will be delighted to see you again at the end of his stay!
There are no guarantees that any kennel will be up to standard, so make some enquiries before you commit to a reservation. Begin with:
1. Personal recommendation: ask you dog-owning friends where they send their dogs.
2. Notice boards at your veterinary surgery, pet shop or grooming parlour.
3. Local Press.
4. Telephone directories.
5. Library.
6. Internet.
Cold Weather Can Mean Aches and Pains for Pets
With cold, wet weather all over the country, it’s important to be aware that pets might experience increased joint pain this time of year.
Most aging pets suffer from at least some wear and tear on their joints. Your pet’s activity level, breed, size and conformation all affect the severity of wear. Some young pets may also show signs of arthritis. Even some young pets, especially those that have experienced trauma or were born with a congenital defect like hip dysplasia, can experience arthritis pain.
Below are some signs of arthritis in dogs, cats and horses to keep an eye out for:
1) An obvious limp
2) A slightly shortened stride when moving
3) Reluctance to jump
4) Hesitancy about going up or down stairs
5) Stiffness when first getting up
6) A reduction in activity
7) Showing pain when an area is touched or groomed
8 ) A change in temperament
9) Abnormal wear on nails or hooves
10) Obvious muscle atrophy from “protecting” painful joints
If you notice your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A pet experiencing minor joint pain may benefit from a joint supplement like GlycoFlex, whereas an animal in the more advanced stages of arthritis will probably be prescribed a pet medication to control pain.
Read MoreHow Often Should You Treat Your Pet for Fleas?
A flea infestation can be a troublesome situation, however common they may be amongst cats and dogs. They are both worrying and inconvenient to both pets and their owners. The worrying part may escape pets though, as more often than not they’re too preoccupied with the infuriating itching, scratching and biting to attempt to relieve the irritation. This can create additional problems with skin conditions and allergies leading to open sores that may require additional treatment.
Why are fleas making life hell for my pet and how long are they here for?
To put it bluntly, fleas have no desire to make life harder for your cat or dog. It is simply in their nature to latch on to the nearest pet and feed by sucking their blood. It doesn’t matter how big or small, clean or dirty, nor old or young your pet, when fleas spot the next available cat or dog, they aren’t too fussy. Contrary to popular belief, no matter how much your cat or dog bites them, fleas do not simply ‘go away’ unless an effective treatment is applied.
It could be so easy for a new cat or dog owner to cross their fingers and hope to never come across an infestation problem, and deal with the problem when and if it arises. However, it’s much more simple and effective solution is to apply safe and harmless monthly flea treatments during bath times to ensure minimal infestation.
Recommended and trusted treatments from Frontline for Dogs and Furminator are excellent choices to ensure your pet is kept safe and sound from flea infestations. By simply applying the pipettes to the surface of the skin, the treatment is spread throughout the coat over a course of 24 hours, ensuring fleas are kept out of sight. Applying the pipettes once per month will ensure a thick coat and healthy flea-free skin.
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